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Our Vice Chancellor has been named in a list of the top 100 UK scientists.

VC named one of UK’s 100 leading scientists

17 January 2014

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, has been named in a list of the 100 leading practising scientists in the country.

The list, drawn up by The Science Council, recognises the achievements of practising scientists across a range of disciplines. Our Vice-Chancellor is recognised as a 'Teacher Scientist' for "leadership in UK higher education and championing the role of universities in scientific and technological innovation, exploitation and economic regeneration".

To identify its top 100 list, member organisations of the Science Council were invited to nominate individuals for each of the categories of ‘10 types of scientist’ who are currently engaged with UK science that other scientists might look to for leadership in their sector or career. The long-list was judged by a distinguished panel including Science Council President, Sir Tom Blundell.

The leading 100 reflects a rich and diverse landscape of scientists working to research and develop our future knowledge, others teaching and mentoring future scientists, some who shape policy and campaign on science based issues and those who communicate about science and explain complex scientific issues.

Professor Dame Breakwell is one of only six psychologists who are included in this prestigious list.

Commenting on the recognition, the Vice-Chancellor said:“I am honoured to be mentioned in such distinguished company. I am especially pleased so many women scientists are recognised for their contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge.”

Also included on the list is Bath alumnus John Honour, recognised as one of the leading 'Service Provider/Operational Scientists'. Having graduated from Bath in 1972 in Applied Biochemistry, John was nominated by the Association of Clinical Biochemists for 40 years work around steroids in clinical laboratories, although his inclusion is for his recent business activity in retirement.

Another Bath graduate, Dr Ahmer Wadee, is also included in the Science Council's list within the 'Investigator' category of scientists, having been nominated by the Institute of Mathematics & its Applications (IMA). Ahmer studied for a PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering under Professor Giles Hunt from 1995-98. He now works as a Reader at Imperial College London. Ahmer has been recognised for his research in the field of nonlinear mechanics of structural stability, primarily involving modelling buckling instabilities in metallic and composite material structures.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science added: "This list helpfully challenges the perception that there is only one kind of scientist and highlights the different types of skills and challenges a career in science involves.

“If we want more people to enter a career in science we need to show that the scientific community is not some exclusive club but people with a wide variety of vocations and interests who have rewarding careers and are making a significant contribution to the wealth and well-being of the UK."

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